Study in Austria

Each year about 350,000 students choose to follow an Austrian study programme, among which 70,000 students come from a foreign country. The great number of high quality education institutions, a long academic tradition and an open-minded learning atmosphere make Austria an easy choice for students seeking an international education.

Currently Austria is home to 22 state universities, 21 universities of applied sciences and 13 private universities, producing 40,000 graduates each year.

Austria has experienced a 40% increase in the number of foreign students in the past five years.

Higher Education institutions

There are four main types of higher education institutions in Austria:

State Universities including Research Universities and Universities of Arts;

Universities of Applied Science;

University Colleges of Teacher Education;

Private Universities.

General application requirements

Candidates with EU/EEA high-school certificate:

Proof of nationality (photocopy of your passport)

A secondary school leaving certificate

German language proficiency

Candidates with non-EU/EEA high-school certificate should add the following documents:

An equivalent secondary school leaving certificate

Certificate of special qualification for university studies as proof that you qualify for a degree programme in your country of origin

Some study programmes may require an entrance examination. Make sure to ask universities for information regarding application deadlines, other specific requirements and examinations.

Erasmus programmes provide opportunities to study, train, work or volunteer in Austria. Preparation Programmes offer intensive courses to prepare international students for admission exams to Austrian universities.

Research and technology

Austrian scientists conduct research in a variety of fields such as quantum physics, biomedicine, nanotechnologies, communications, and environmentally friendly technologies. The Austrian mix of scientific thinking and entrepreneurial spirit are a great source of innovation. In 2005, EUR 3.6 billion were invested in research and development. Presently, research and development accounts for nearly three percent of the countrys economic output.

German language

The main language of instruction in Austrian universities is German. Only a few programmes are English-taught. Some universities require German proficiency corresponding to level B2 or level C1 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages. The Österreichisches Sprachdiplom Deutsch, which is Austrias officially recognised examination system for German language is offered by licensed examination centres all over the world.

Visa regulation

Students from EU and EEA member countries and Switzerland do not need visas or residence permits, but need to apply for a confirmation of registration (Anmeldebescheinigung) at the Austrian immigration office.

Non-EU/EEA or Swiss nationals will need a visa C or visa D if they plan to stay in the country for less than 3 or 6 months.

Non-EU/EEA nationals, who plan to study longer than 6 months, have to apply for a residence permit at the Austrian embassy in their country.

Living in Austria

Accommodation costs 250 to 350 EUR depending on city of residence and forms of support offered by universities.

Food costs will be around 240 EUR. Discount supermarkets and self-service cafeterias are cost effective options

Austria does not have a tradition of on-campus accommodation. Students in Austria live in a hall of residence or in private accommodation. Austrian universities do not automatically offer accommodation when you register for a study programme.

Study materials, recreation and sightseeing is estimated at 290 EUR

The total average monthly living expenses for a student in Austria get to around 850  1,000 EUR.

Austrians really like being on time. Getting to a meeting 5 minutes early is already a good idea.

The Austrian and German languages are very similar, with the exception of some specific words. Other local languages are Hungarian, Burgenland Croatian, and Slovene.

Every day around 3 pm, Austrians take a 20 minute break and enjoy their daily coffee and cake.

About Austria

Austria is situated in in Central Europe and is bordered by Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Germany, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, Slovenia and Italy. It is a federal state comprised of nine provinces (Burgenland, Carinthia, Lower Austria, Upper Austria, Salzburg, Styria, Tyrol, Vorarlberg, Vienna), each with its own capital. The countrys capital, Vienna, has about 1.8 million inhabitants.

Austria has been a member of the United Nations since 1955, joined the European Union in 1995 and adopted the European currency, the euro, in 1999.

Austria has a highly developed infrastructure as well as social and economic stability. More than 400,000 companies have been founded in the last 15 years. There is a large number of small and medium-sized businesses, including about three hundred international company headquarters. The most important industrial branches include the food industries, the machine and steel industry, chemical and vehicle industry and electric and electronic industry.

The Alps Mountains cover most of the country. Only 32% of the country is below 500 metres. The climate is temperate and alpine with 4 seasons.